LICN is seeing an uptick in commercial R.E. activity

The Long Island Commercial Network is the commercial division of the Long Island Board of Realtors. It is comprised of over 200 active members, affiliates and sponsors. Annually, this group holds two signature events and hosts ten breakfast networking meetings. In the 4th quarter of 2009, we began to see an uptick in commercial real estate activity, which started by interest in retail leases for start-up businesses. We expect continued rebounding in the commercial arena in 2010 albeit at a slow pace. Retail vacancies should improve, while office vacancies are expected to continue at relatively high levels. Investor activity is also increasing but is hampered by credit constraints. Cap rates are higher now than in the past five years. Properties are beginning to trade but at a lower pace than in past years. The new LICN was revamped over fifteen years ago with the following objectives: * To unite those in real estate with an emphasis on the branches of commercial real estate. * To provide meetings for the exchange of information between members and sponsors. * To encourage and facilitate cooperation among brokers. * To foster sound, prudent and ethical practices. * To foster and develop a knowledgeable membership through continuing education and new member orientation seminars. * To promote interest in commercial and investment real property ownership. * To promote and maintain high standards of conduct in the commercial real estate profession as expressed in the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Realtors. LICN will play an even more important role on Long Island this year. Continuing education and new member orientation will be stressed to improve the skill set and effectiveness of our members. A brand new fully featured website was introduced in 2009 and has been further enhanced for 2010. a property database. We are not going to stand still in a slower environment. New tools, training, website, and enhanced networking opportunities are all a part of LICN for 2010. Our goal is to improve the earnings of our members. Alan Hendrickson is the 2010 president of LICN and associate broker with Corporate Commercial Realty, LLC, Melville, N.Y.Alan Hendrickson, LICN